9 killed as CAFGU, alleged rebels clash in Cotabato

Nine people were killed, and four others were wounded in a clash between alleged rebels and Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) members in Aleosan, Cotabato.

According to a Saturday "24 Oras weekend" report, armed men ambushed a CAFGU member riding a motorcycle. The victim's colleagues responded and pursued the assailants.

A gunbattle then occurred at the alleged rebels' camp. The gunfire subsided when the authorities arrived.

Among the casualties were five CAFGU members, a civilian, and the other three were suspected rebels.

However, relatives denied that the three fatalities were rebels and said they had nothing to do with the attack.

The investigation into the incident continues. — Sherylin Untalan/DVM, GMA Integrated News